Sustaining Catholic Education in and for the Black Community
By Lois J. Carson, Sr. Roberta Fulton, S.S.M.N., Dorothy Gupton, Veronica Morgan-Lee, Freida D. McCray, Mary Crowley McDonald, Kathleen A. Merritt, Sr. Jamie T. Phelps, O.P., Ph.D., Brother Gary Sawyer, ECSA, Deacon Marvin Threatt, PhD.
(Article: Page
18 of 35)
Add To Favorites |
Print Version
 |
|
Full Resources
Article Index
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Identity and Mission
Effective Catholic schools have
both a clear mission statement and a measurable
Catholic identity. A Gospel-oriented philosophy sets Catholic schools
apart from traditional public or private schools. Once a Catholic school clearly
articulates its philosophy, it can then develop its mission and identity.
Inherent to its Catholic identity, each Catholic school must have a mission statement that defines the school's character, goals, methods, and objectives. The mission statement is a public announcement of the school's identity, as well as a guide for the staff, parents, and students regarding the school's purpose.
The essential component of the mission statement is a declaration of the primary purpose of the school: to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ through quality academic programs. If the Catholic school fails to assert the primacy of the Gospel mandate, then no matter how great and competent its academic program, faculty, or students, it fails the litmus test of Catholic identity and mission.
When a school clearly articulates and establishes its mission consistent with the Gospel message of Jesus and the Church, its Catholic identity will manifest itself, not just in words or a name, but in the everyday experience of the institution. It will be seen and lived in the curriculum, school climate, student discipline, and academic successes.
The need to maintain a relevant mission statement and Catholic identity is extremely important today in light of the recent paradigm shift in Catholic education. Because personnel, circumstances, and communities will change, the mission statement must be revisited and updated at least every three to five years. This updating will enable the school to be relevant and authentic in its service. The mission statement becomes the anchor that holds the school true to its calling.
Prior to 1960, Catholic mission and philosophy were easily identified because a majority of Catholic schools were staffed by priests and religious from various orders. By their very presence and in accordance with the charism of their communities, these individuals brought a definitive sense of mission and identity to Catholic schools.
Today, Catholic identity, mission, and philosophy may be more difficult to establish and maintain due to the declining numbers of clergy, and the substantial increase of lay men and women tasked with operating Catholic schools. Consequently, the need to clearly articulate a Catholic philosophy becomes increasingly important.
The mission statement should articulate the Catholic philosophy from which all activity within the institution flows. The mission statement must clearly and accurately define the school's purpose and mission, as well as the strategies by which the mission is to be accomplished. An example follows.
Mission Statement of Marian Catholic High School, San Diego, California, revised September 2006
Marian Catholic High School endeavors to model the person and teachings of Jesus Christ at this campus through a holistic and nurturing educational experience.
We are a Catholic faith community dedicated to working with students and their parents to provide the finest religious, moral, academic, physical, social, and personal programs possible. In addition to promoting excellence in the skills and abilities developed in the various arts and disciplines, we, at Marian Catholic High School, endeavor to encourage in our students a positive sense of self-worth, self-discipline, personal responsibility, and successful interpersonal relationships with a commitment to Christian values in a Catholic tradition. We encourage students to become life-long learners who are Christ-centered and prepared to contribute and participate in a culturally diverse and global world community in response to the Gospel message and values of Jesus Christ.
to top of page
Previous page
|
|
Next page
|
|
